
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.
43
into the law of works, and substituting the mystery
of iniquity for the mystery of godliness. This ought
to be clear from the lessons already studied. The
Reformation of the sixteenth century was an attempt
to restore this fundamental doctrine of Christianity.
Says D'Aubigne, the historian of the Reformation:
"The church had fallen, because
the great doctrine of
justification by faith in the Saviour had been taken away
from her.
It was necessary, therefore, before she
could rise again, that this doctrine should he restored
to her. As soon as this fundamental truth should be
reestablished in Christendom, all the errors and ob-
servances that had taken its place,—all. that multitude
of saints, of works, penances, masses, indulgences, etc.,
—would disappear. As soon as the one only Mediator
and His only sacrifice were acknowledged, all other
mediators and sacrifices would vanish. 'This article of
justification,' says a man whom we may consider en-
lightened on this matter [Luther], 'is what creates the
church, nourishes it, edifies it, preserves and defends
it; no one can teach worthily in the church, or oppose
an adversary with success, if he does not adhere to this
truth.' This,' adds the writer whom we quote, in allu-
sion to the earliest prophecy, 'is the heel that shall
bruise the head of the serpent.' " ("History of the
Reformation," vol. I, page 9o.)
The teaching of the Scriptures on the subject of jus-
tification by faith was both the cause of the Reforma-
tion and the power for the Reformation. It brought
light to the mind of Luther, the monk at Wittemberg.
D'Aubigne says: "In the retirement of his quiet cell
he used to consecrate whole hours to the study of the
divine Word, this epistle of St. Paul [to the Romans]
lying open before him. On one occasion, having
The Son of God beggared Himself to enrich us.